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Columbus Blue Jackets: Is Pierre-Luc Dubois the next Ryan Getzlaf?

By William Espy |
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 19: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Washington Capitals and Pierre-Luc Dubois #18 of the Columbus Blue Jackets battle for control of the puck in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 19, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Washington defeated Columbus 4-1. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alex Chiasson;Pierre-Luc Dubois
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 19: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Washington Capitals and Pierre-Luc Dubois #18 of the Columbus Blue Jackets battle for control of the puck in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 19, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Washington defeated Columbus 4-1. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alex Chiasson;Pierre-Luc Dubois

When the Columbus Blue Jackets drafted Pierre-Luc Dubois third overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, his numbers seem reminiscent of a young superstar center who has since grown old.

Pierre- Luc Dubois is going to be the face of the Columbus Blue Jackets, alongside Seth Jones and Zach Werenski for the long term future. His rookie year numbers are very close to those of superstar forward Ryan Getzlaf‘s stats from his first two years, both offensively and defensively.

Offensively 19-year-old Dubois’ stats are a bit lower than a 21-year-old Getzlaf’s, however with a two year age difference that can be expected.

Getzlaf finished his rookie year 25 goals, five more than Dubois. He also finished with 33 assists, once again five more than Pierre-Luc Dubois. That brings Getzlaf to a total of 58 points compared to Dubois’ 48. However by the time he’s 21, it is certainly in the realm of possibility that he’s posted stats even greater than Getzlaf’s.

Defensively is where the Blue Jackets rookie and the Anaheim Ducks star are the most alike. Hockey Reference is missing these stats for Getzlaf’s rookie year, therefore his second year defensive stats will be used instead. Dubois gets the edge in hits 127 to 126, blocked shots are even at 46.

When comparing giveaways and takeaways, Dubois is far ahead of Getzlaf. Dubois may have only had 38 takeaways to Getzlaf’s 44, however the real difference is in giveaways. Getzlaf had a total of 67 compared to Dubois only having 29.

Size wise, Dubois is listed at 6’3″ and 207 pounds while Getzlaf is currently 223 pounds and 6’4″.

Next: Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens – Perfect Trade Partners?

The Columbus Blue Jackets certainly appear to have landed a future star in Pierre-Luc Dubois and his stats in comparison to Ryan Getzlaf certainly show that. Only time will tell if Dubois lives up to Getzlaf’s career, but it is certainly possible.

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